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This is a resident breeding species found through out the island from lowlands up to the mid hills. They are more common in the dry lowland scrublands. Other than in Sri Lanka they are found in India and southwest Nepal. Three sub species are recognized. The nominate race Dumetia hyperythra hyperythra and Dumetia hyperythra albogularis is found in India and Dumetia hyperythra phillipsi is found only in Sri Lanka.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species through out the dry lowlands in the country. In the north it is found in the Mannar Island and the Veruwil forest just below Poonareen. The highest altitude at which I have seen it so fat has been at Bambarella in the Knuckles forest reserve at 1540 meters. It is not as common in the wet zone but I have often seen it in tea estates and low scrubland areas such as Bolgoda, Kudawa, and Elpitiya and at Malabe.

This is not a commonly seen species at Wilpattu. It can be found on the forest edges, scrubland areas and in areas bordering the park.